Gunna’s attorney is stepping up to set the record straight regarding his client’s involvement in the YSL RICO case and the accusations of him being a “snitch.”
On January 3, 2025, attorney Steve Sadow took to social media to defend the rapper against claims that he cooperated with authorities to secure his release, particularly in relation to his relationship with fellow rapper Young Thug.
He was blunt about it all to say the least and we have to say the facts are the facts. But we have to ask, does anyone really care whether he did or didn’t? Anyways, let’s keep unpacking …
Let’s recap the YSL RICO Case and Gunna’s situation
Gunna, born Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, became a focal point of the YSL (Young Slime Life) RICO trial when he took an Alford plea in December 2022, after spending 8 months in jail. The plea deal allowed Gunna to avoid a lengthy prison sentence, but it also sparked intense controversy, with critics accusing him of betraying his YSL associates, including Young Thug, who was facing similar charges. Gunna was sentenced to five years with a suspended sentence, meaning no jail time, probation, or travel restrictions, which further fueled speculation about his alleged cooperation with authorities.
However, Sadow strongly refuted the idea that Gunna cooperated with prosecutors to undermine Young Thug’s case. In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Sadow explained that Gunna did not “cooperate,” “say anything,” or “do anything” to harm Young Thug’s defense. He clarified that Gunna’s plea agreement was never used during Young Thug’s trial, and Gunna was not named as a witness. He also pointed out that Gunna’s sentence included no probation, travel restrictions, or living conditions, and he was able to continue his music career while Young Thug’s trial proceeded.
Onto defending Gunna’s rep
Sadow’s post also took aim at those who continue to criticize Gunna, including prominent rappers like Lil Baby and Lil Durk, who publicly labeled him a “rat” following the plea deal. Lil Baby, in particular, called Gunna out during a 2023 interview with DJ Akademiks, which sparked further division in the hip-hop community. In response, Sadow wrote, “THOSE THAT HAVE AND CONTINUE TO BAD MOUTH GUNNA, GET OVER IT. NUFF’ SAID.”
Sadow went on to compare Gunna’s situation to Young Thug’s. While Gunna was able to move forward with his career, performing internationally and earning millions, Young Thug spent over two years in jail, ultimately pleading guilty to lesser charges and being sentenced to 15 years of probation with reporting conditions. Sadow made it clear that Gunna’s decision to take the plea did not impact Thug’s case, noting, “Gunna did NOT cooperate, and did NOTHING and said NOTHING to cause harm to Thug’s case.”
What probably matters most–Gunna responded via music
In addition to his attorney’s statement, Gunna addressed the accusations of snitching in his music. On his song “Bread & Butter,” the rapper directly confronted the claims of betrayal, rapping about his loyalty to Young Thug and his refusal to cooperate with authorities. He said, “F**k I pay the lawyers all those mills for? / Just so I won’t have to say a word to dodge a railroad.”
Gunna continued, emphasizing his integrity: “Never gave no statement or agreed to take no stand on ’em… On whatever you ni**as on, then trust me, I’m a stand on it.” He also hinted at the manipulative tactics used by the D.A. and his lawyers, expressing that he was now prepared for the system’s challenges.
How all the he said, who said or didn’t say is shaping up
As Gunna continues to face criticism from his peers and fans, his legal team remains adamant that he did not compromise his morals to gain his freedom. With his case now part of a larger conversation about loyalty, justice, and the complexities of the YSL RICO trial, Gunna’s future in the industry and his relationships with fellow artists will likely remain under intense scrutiny. For now, though, his attorney has made it clear: Gunna has kept his integrity intact throughout this tumultuous period.
